Diagnosis
Hepatis lipidosis is diagnosed by evaluating the cat's symptoms
and through a blood test that exams the cat's liver function.
Conventional Treatments
The first course of treatment for a cat diagnosed with hepatic
lipidosis is to get the cat to eat. If the cat refuses food, a stomach
tube can be surgically implanted, and liquified food can then be
put directly into the cat's stomach. Antibiotics may also be given
to combat a possible secondary bacterial infection.
Traditional treatment for hepatic lipidosis can be supported with
natural supplements that help foster liver health. These include
milk thistle, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), borage oil and certain
amino acids.
See the Natural Treatments section for more information on using nutraceuticals to help heal and regenerate the liver.
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General Hepatitis
General hepatitis can strike a cat as a result of a viral infection,
a bacterial infection or exposure to a toxic substance.
Diagnosis
Cats suffering from hepatitis are diagnosed through a blood test,
which helps veterinarians evaluate liver function. Veterinarians
sometimes perform a biopsy on the liver to determine the exact cause
of the symptoms, which include loss of appetite, vomiting and weight
loss.
Conventional Treatment
Traditional treatment for hepatitis depends on what is causing the
problem, and may include antibiotics, steroids or ursodiol. Natural
alternatives that support the liver through a bout of hepatitis
include milk thistle, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), licorice root
and ginseng.
See the Natural Treatments section for more information on using nutraceuticals to help heal and regenerate the liver.
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Cholagiohepatitis
Cholagiohepatitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts that results
in damage to the cat's liver. This disease can be caused by a bacterial
infection, or may be present in addition to other illnesses, such
as kidney failure and an illness called Tyzzer's disease.
Diagnosis
Cholagiohepatitis is diagnosed by evaluating liver values and
white blood count through a blood test. A liver biopsy may also
be performed to help confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms can include
fever, vomiting, loss of appetite and depression.
Conventional Treatment
Veterinarians treat cholagiohepatitis traditionally with antibiotics,
steroids and/or an appetite stimulant. Surgery is sometimes performed
on the bile ducts.
Natural remedies that can support the body in this condition include
zizyphus fruit, milk thistle and bupleurum root.
See the Natural Treatments section for more information on using nutraceuticals to help heal and regenerate the liver.
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Natural Treatments for Liver Diseases
Diet plays an important role in the healing of the
liver. Small, frequent meals which are low in fat and contain easily
digestible grains will help minimize the work that the liver must
do while it heals.
There are several nutraceuticals that aid in treating liver diseases
and are especially beneficial to restoring the health of the liver
when steroids and other prescription drugs are used.
Milk thistle is often the herb of choice among holistic
veterinaraians because it is a powerful antioxidant.
Milk thistle as a healing agent
 Silybum
marianum (milk thistle) is one of the most important herbal liver
tonics and restoratives for your pet. Scientific analysis shows
that milk thistle contains silymarin - a powerful antioxidant which
can block the entry of toxins into the liver and remove them at
cellular level, resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved
liver function.
More potent as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, silymarin
acts as a scavenger on free radicals (molecules that cause cell
damage), as well as increasing levels of glutathione (a prime antioxidant
that protects major organs) and inhibiting the formation of damaging
leukotrienes (an inflammatory agent). Silymarin also stimulates
the production of new liver cells to repair damage caused by disease.
In addition to milk thistle (silymarin), there are several other nutrients which are beneficial to the liver:
- Burdock - Used for centuries as a blood purifier and cleanser.
- Natrium Phosphate - A tissue salt that helps to assimilate fats and promote the flow of bile from the gall bladder.
- Natrium Sulphate - A tissue salt often recommended to detoxify the liver.
- Dimethyglycine (DMG) – An amino acid that helps rebuild liver cells and encourages the elimination of toxins in the body.
- Pyridoxal 5'Phospate – The active form of B6, an essential vitamin that is not easily broken down in pets with compromised livers.
- Vitamin B12 – An important vitamin needed for proper digestion and absorption of food.
- Choline Citrate – A chemical used by the liver to move fats in and out of the cells, which is crucial to liver health.
- Methionine – An amino acid needed for proper detoxification of the liver.
- N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine – An amino acid that is aids in the removal of toxins from the liver.
- Turmeric Extract – A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid – A powerful antioxidant that enhances the antioxidient effects of Vitamins C and E.
- Coenzyme Q10 – Also known as Vitamin Q, this nutrient is essential for healthy liver function.
- Antioxidants - Chemicals that capture damaging free radicals in the body and encourage healthy liver cells.
To aid in the healing of the liver, we suggest the following product containing milk thistle and other beneficial nutrients:
LiverAid by PetAlive
LiverAid is an herbal and homeopathic remedy that contains nutrients which improve liver functions and help to eliminate toxins from the body.
To purchase or read more about LiverAid...
Immunity and Liver Support by PetAlive
 Immunity and Liver Support strengthens and improves immune system and liver functioning in dogs and cats. Helps to counter the harmful effects of frequent vaccinations and antibiotic treatment.
To purchase or learn more about Immunity and Liver Support..
.
Detox Plus from PetAlive
 This natural herbal remedy helps to prevent the buildup of harmful toxins (i.e. insecticides, cigarette smoke, flea collars, food preservatives to name a few) in your pet's body. Detox Plus improves liver functioning, metabolism, thyroid health and your pet's ability to eliminate toxins.
To purchase or read more about Detox Plus...
For additional support, ask your vet if an antioxidant formula would help the overall health of your pet.
Small Animal Antioxidant
 This
formual combines vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, and selenium (all
potent free-radical scavengers) with grape seed extract, lipoic
acid and silymarin (all potent antixidants). It can be used alone
or in combination with Hepagen.
To purchase or read
more about Small Animal Antioxidant...
If your pet has a liver condition you'd like to learn more about, send us an email and will try to include it in future updates to this website. See our Contact Us page.
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